Plot

Summaries

Benchley, a newspaper columnist who writes on issues of etiquette, receives a telephone call from two men working deep in a manhole, they who are arguing about what to do if a woman fell into their manhole while they're eating. One argues that they should stand up, the other arguing that they should tip their hat. Although they don't ask, Benchley also gives them advice on the proper etiquette surrounding telling a story that someone wants to hear, making introductions of people at church functions, and how to treat weekend guests in your home.

This MGM short has humorist Robert Benchley giving advice on etiquette and how to be a perfect gentleman. This includes standing when a lady approaches him (unfortunately Benchley is sitting at the back of booth when it happens to him); never wait to be urged to tell a good story (but he's constantly interrupted); a gentleman is always introduced to a lady unless he's a church dignitary (he can't quite get it straight); a perfect hostess never holds her guests to a schedule (he awakens late to find the house empty).

Two workers in a manhole call etiquette columnist Benchley for advice. Two of the topics he advises them about are what to do when a lady enters the room and the proper way to behave when one is an overnight guest.